Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018
36. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to get primary school children living healthier and more active lives; if he is planning new initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7527/18]
View answerThe National Physical Activity Plan, launched in early 2016, contains a series of actions designed to foster increased physical activity by children and young people, including primary school children. My colleague, the Minister for Education and Skills, exercises lead responsibility for the majority of these actions.
Significant progress has been made in relation to these actions, details of which are available in a progress report published on the Healthy Ireland website in December 2017
(http://www.healthyireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/NPAP-Summary-Progress-Report.pdf)
In the context of a new National Sports Policy that I am currently finalising and which I expect to publish in the coming weeks, there will be a strong focus on increasing participation levels in sport and physical activity at all ages and particularly for children and young people.
Achieving such increased participation levels is a significant challenge that will require the development of new projects and programmes in the future as well as continued implementation of existing successful initiatives. I consider that a fundamental requirement in this context is to maintain and strengthen links between the various Government Departments, agencies and sporting organisations. The means to address this requirement will be set out in the new Policy.
